It was the first ever replay to be staged at Wembley. "Tottenham Hotspur Vs Manchester City 1981 FA Cup Final" is the story of one of the most dramatic double bills ever seen.
Tottenham Hotspur's love affair with the FA Cup has achieved worldwide recognition. It does help, of course, if the year ends in a 1, but on five separate occasions prior to 1981, the great North London club had lifted the trophy. Could 1981 be another magic year? The first game could not decide a winner, so on to the replay.
After a well-contested draw on the Saturday, Keith Burkinshaw sent his Tottenham Hotspur side out including the mercurial Ricky Villa, despite him being substituted in tears in the first match, for the replay with Manchester City. It was to be a masterstroke. The game was a thriller from the kick off and Villa scored early following up Steve Archibald's attempt. Steve Mackenzie then equalised for City with a volley that would have been goal of the season had Villa not superseded it later on. A first penalty award since 1962 saw City go in front in the second half only for Spurs to finish with a real flurry. A scrappy Garth Crooks strike brought Spurs level and then the stage was set for Villa. Beating the entire City defence several times it seemed, he waltzed in to the area to convert a truly memorable match winner.
This brilliant DVD includes highlights from the first game, plus the entire 90 minutes of the replay and that famous Argentine moment. Tottenham fans will love it.
This 1981 FA CUp Final DVD is available to buy direct from skysportsdvdshop.co.uk.